Nature reserve Solleveld

Solleveld is a nature monument between Kijkduin and Monster. This nature monument consists of several different areas: Solleveld, Dorestad, Ockenrode, Van Leijdenhof, Hyacintenbos, and Ockenburg. There are various owners including Delfland for the dune strip along the sea, Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland for Solleveld, Zuid-Hollands Landschap for Van Leijdenhof and Hyacintenbos, and the municipality of The Hague for Ockenburg. Solleveld, together with the more southerly located Kapittelduinen, has been designated as a Natura 2000 area (Solleveld & Kapittelduinen).
Solleveld is different from most other dune areas in South Holland because it largely consists of ‘old dunes’ that are highly de-calcarified. Unique in these de-calcarified dunes are some heathland patches, which, like other landscape elements, remind us of the historical agricultural use. The area is not very hilly and consists of dunes, dune forests, grasslands, dune heaths, scrub, reeds, and ponds. Along the inner dune edge, there are several old estate forests with a rich stinze flora.
The area is rich in flora and fauna. Characteristic breeding birds include the stonechat, grasshopper warbler, nightingale, and meadow pipit for the open dunes. In the estate forests, you can find, among others, the nuthatch, lesser spotted woodpecker, and glossy head. The smooth newt and sand lizard also occur in Solleveld. Additionally, Solleveld is rich in plants, bats, and mushrooms.
In October 2004, the archaeological service of The Hague conducted excavations in Solleveld and discovered a burial field from the 6th-7th century. Among the finds was a grave of a warrior with the remains of a sword and shield. A so-called boat grave was also encountered.
Between 2004 and 2006, the drinking water capacity was expanded to 8 billion liters. To this end, the existing infiltration ponds in the northern part of the area were widened and deepened. The infiltration ponds in the southern part have been phased out.
Solleveld itself is only accessible to annual cardholders and holders of a passe-partout. The other areas are freely accessible (Ockenburg, Hyacintenbos, Van Leijdenhof) or not accessible (Ockenrode, Dorestad).

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